VIDEO: Former Letchworth student in Sky 1’s Got To Dance final

Shun Sugimoto with pupils at St Christopher school (Image: Archant)

Shun Sugimoto, a former student at St Christopher School in Letchworth GC, is one of 30 semi-finalists to get through on Sky 1’s Got To Dance.

The 24-year-old, who was a boarder at the school from 2002 to 2006, auditioned for the show in September last year.

Going back to where he calls home, Shun visited students at the school where they had the chance to see a preview of the final performance he will be showcasing to judges Ashley Banjo, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and JLS heart-throb Aston Merrygold tonight (Sunday) in London.

“I had always thought about entering the competition, I had watched it a few times and finally thought I can offer something different,” said Shun.

Shun who graduated from the University of Central Saint Martin – University of the Arts with a degree in graphic design, said music, dance and art has always been a part of him.

He started breakdancing from the age of 14 when he came to the country from Japan.

“There was a guy who did after-school breakdancing lessons while I was at St Christopher School, I used to go to the lessons and loved them,” he said.

Shun’s passion for breakdancing propelled and he began practicing at various locations across London.

Now living in Hackney, Shun, who works as a graphic designer on a freelance basis, said: “The attention and response I have had from audiences has been great and overwhelming.”

Although he was bought up on vegetarian school meals while at the school, Shun, who trains every day for about six hours, follows a strict diet, eating lots of carbs and salads to keep his body supple, as well as meat.

Speaking about what it would mean to him to win, he said: “It would secure my future, and I would be able to concentrate on dancing.”

Shun claims he never went on the show for fame or money. “I just love to dance and be able to be creative,” he said.

And giving an insight into his final performance, which will be in front of a 6,000-strong audience, he added: “The audience will be wowed; I have created a fusion of animal and humanistic moves.

“I am nervous, but also very excited. I believe the style is unique and I am confident it will be different and there is no other act like it. I will dance the best I can.”

Speaking of his years at the school in Barrington Road, Ben Wall, head of design and technology and Shun’s former house parent, said: “He has an amazing and unique character and was always an acrobat; I knew he was a gifted artist.”